A través de la «foce stretta». De Sevilla a Valencia y no solamente (1382-1411)

This study reconstructs the general framework of the maritime and commercial connections of Seville between the late fourteenth and early fifteenth century, then deepening the characteristics of its relationship with Valencia. The analysis is based on correspondence, bills of lading and other types of commercial documents producedy by Francesco Datini, the merchant of Prato, integrated with information traced in some Tuscan and Venetian trade manuals. Seville and Valencia, although very different, possessed all the characteristics necessary to cover important economic roles. Both enjoyed a favorable geographic location along major transportation routes. Also Cadiz assumed a decisive role, sharing with the City of the Guadalquivir the task to accommodate vessels of all flags. The strengths of the three cities were, as well as their proximity to the sea, the richness of their agricultural hinterland and the action of Catalan, Sevillian and Gaditan merchants, who managed to keep their trade intense along the Iberian and African coasts. Typical agricultural and livestock products came from Andalusia, such as oil, wheat and leather, as well as mercury, wax, lacquer, malagueta pepper, grain, silk, tallow, tuna, and pearls; along the opposite direction, the Tuscan trade partnerships operating in Valencia distributed towards the Andalusian cities raw materials, food, tools for the textile industry, furnishing, armaments, but also cloths from Valencia and the surrounding area, Bolognese taffetas, Florentine woolen cloths, damasks and woven of camel’s hair.